Optimization of ultrasound-assisted biodiesel production from python fat oil using response surface methodology

• Python fat oil (PFO) is a novel feedstock for biodiesel production. • PFOB was optimized using RSM with two different methods (USM and CM). • Optimal yields achieved in USM and CM were 98.90 and 92.73 %, respectively. • All parameters of PFOB in USM and CM meet the requirements of EN 14,214. • USM is a more effective method of producing PFOB than CM. Diversification of oil feedstocks for biodiesel production is very necessary to reduce dependence on traditional vegetable oils and animal fats. Therefore, a conventional and ultrasound-assisted single-step transesterification process was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) for biodiesel production from a novel feedstock python fat oil (PFO). Second-order polynomial models of the conventional (CM) and ultrasound-assisted (USM) methods were used to predict the biodiesel yield, and the coefficient of determination (R 2 ) was found to be at 0.9946, and 0.9873, respectively. The optimal biodiesel yield of USM calculated from the model is 99.12 % with the following reaction conditions: PFO/methanol ratio of 33.77 wt%, PFO/KOH ratio of 1.05 wt%, and reaction time of 128.53 min. Biodiesel yield results under optimal conditions have demonstrated that the regression models are consistent with experimental data. Besides, the biodiesel yield of USM (98.90 %) was significantly higher than that of CM (92.73 %). In particular, the properties of PFO biodiesel produced under optimal conditions were found to agree with EN 14,214 standard specifications. In summary, single-step biodiesel production from the PFO new feedstock with USM can be commendably used to engender and adopt a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy approach.